3 Tips for Mastering the Art of Self-Promotion

Some people just seem to have a natural talent for talking about themselves in a truly engaging, effortless, and entirely authentic way. I’m not one of those people. It’s taken me years of persistence and practice under the watchful eye of an executive coach to build and flex this muscle with confidence.

Ever the student, I keep a watchful eye for new insights that can help me perfect my pitch. So, when I heard that author, career expert, and dear friend, Lindsey Pollak, was being interviewed on this very topic by LinkedIn for the Citi-sponsored Connect: Professional Women’s Network member video series, I rang Lindsey to ask what she believe makes for the perfect pitch.

“When promoting yourself, style is incredibly important, but there also has to be real substance behind the promotions,” said Lindsey, who also serves as Global Spokesperson for LinkedIn, adding, “So, continue to build your skills, your product or services, and your career along with promoting yourself.”

Build your credibility by blogging, tweeting, speaking on panels, or giving talks about issues, topics, or products that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about.

Lindsey shared these three tips for mastering the art of self-promotion:

1. Build your story.

Ask current and former clients, friends, colleagues, and partners—really anyone you’ve worked with and knows you well—to describe what you do and what you do well. Collect testimonials, endorsements, and recommendations. Use that language and those stories to tell people about who you are and what you do.

2. Build your credibility.

Blog, tweet, speak on panels, or give talks about issues, topics, or products that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about.

3. Build your confidence and connections.

Get involved in professional organizations and attend networking events. The more you talk about what it is you do and the more you share your passions, the more your enthusiasm and knowledge will shine through—and that is ultimately what will help you build your brand and reputation.

For more insights from Lindsey on promoting yourself and pursuing your passion as a business, check out her video here.